Ing and I went on a lovely adventure to Sorell today. Sorell is a 20 minute drive from Hobart, on the Convict Trail.The Sorell Fruit Farm is a Tasmanian owned orchard, where you can pick your own fruit, depending on the season. We were too lazy to pick fruit, we were just there for a nice spot of Devonshire tea, and a few pots of jam, mustard and relish from the little shop.
There is a cafe, of sorts, however the outside area is a lot more tranquil than the few tables pushed together inside.The staff are friendly, in an odd way, and we were amused by their chatter, amongst themselves and with the customers. It wasn't particularly busy, but both staff members were in a bit of a flap. It is nice, when more than 10 people means busy, it just says "middle of nowhere", and I love that.
The cafe provides some light meals, like nachos with bean salsa, sour cream, cheese and guacamole ($12.90), or a chicken caesar tortilla wrap (14.90), but I don't get the feeling that is is a good idea to come specifically for a meal.
Devonshire tea is a specialty here, with fresh scones, house made jam, cream and a tea or coffee ($9 per person). There were also waffles on the specials menu, served with strawberries, ice cream and strawberry coulis.
The shop sells Tasmanian specialty foods. Fresh honeycomb from the Tarkine Wilderness, Tasmanian Sauce Company mustard and relishes, and their own brand of jams, marmalade and sauces. They will even organise postage for you, for orders up to 10kg.
The views are lovely, and the atmosphere serene. While the orchard is only open for visitors from October-May, I highly recommend popping in and having a wander around.
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4 comments:
Even if it took a day to get to Sorell it looks like it'd be worth it. It's so much nicer to be able to get these items at their source, though most times it's true that convenience (i.e., the neighborhood grocery) wins out. I was surprised to see the prices you listed, though. To me, the light meals and coffee sounded really expensive! Are these typical food prices for Tasmania? In any case, I'm sure I would've gorged myself on the waffles and then grabbed some fresh honeycomb for home. Thanks for sharing!
The fruit jams must be really yummy, hope that someday I will be able to try Tasmanian fruit jams :)
Hey Sapuche,
I think the cafe menu was little expensive. But this is Tasmania, Tourist Town. They can get away with it because there is nowhere else to eat in the immediate vacinity I suppose.
I didn't order food because I wasn't hungry. I didn't order a coffee either, because I suspected it might be terrible. I'm on a one coffee a day ration, I didn't want to risk an inadequate beverage. I have no evidence to base this on, just intuition (as a barista myself), country Tasmanian towns are not usually renown for their high quality espresso.
You know, I think this Sorell post is the most boring thing I have every written!
Hey Maggie,
If this is the most boring thing you’ve ever written, then you’re doing really well! I honestly thought this was an interesting post, perhaps because I have little knowledge of Hobart and its environs as well as what sorts of local products are available in rural Tasmania. It’s funny, though – I feel the same way about my own blog. I always cringe when I press the “publish” button for a new entry. I think it’s like that for most people. Just don’t let the feeling get in the way of what you want to accomplish here!
Looking forward to more,
Sapuche
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